The Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Mojeed Iyiola, highlighted the beneficial effects of the maize palliative provided by the Lagos State government to its members.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos, Iyiola expressed gratitude for the approximately 150,000 tons of maize received in February as relief to mitigate the impact of high feed prices.
The main advantage of this support was the reduction in production costs for many poultry farmers in the state.
Iyiola stated, “The palliative had a positive impact as it led to a drop in the prices of certain poultry products, particularly eggs.”
Prior to the intervention, a crate of eggs was being sold for N3,500 to N3,700 at the farm gate. After the support, prices decreased to N3,200 to N3,400.
According to the PAN chairman, retailers and middlemen who sell eggs for N3,800 to N4,200 do so for their own profits.
Emphasizing responsible pricing, Iyiola mentioned, “We have advised our members to sell eggs at fair prices following the government’s assistance.”
While appreciating the state government for the palliative, Iyiola also called on the Federal Government to take similar steps to further decrease production costs in the sector.
To alleviate economic challenges for the people of Lagos, the state government has initiated “Ounje Eko” food markets where food items are sold at discounted rates in the state’s five divisions.
These markets operate solely on Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm at various locations across the state.